NFL.com's Ian Rapoport cautioned, however, that an additional surgery is not set in stone, and Gronkowski's camp still is considering all options.

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Agent Drew Rosenhaus confirmed as much to WSVN-TV in Miami on Sunday night. Rosenhaus emphasized that any speculation about Gronkowski missing regular-season action is "way off," and no determinations have been made on a fourth procedure.

Gronkowski is near the end of a six-week cycle of antibiotic treatments to clear up the infection, so it won't be long before a decision is required on another surgery to remove the plate in his forearm.

While the setback means Gronkowski will miss offseason practices for a second consecutive year, it seems premature to begin hand-wringing over his regular-season status.